Mountain birding habitat

Lory State Park

Colorado · Rocky Mountains

Habitat
MountainForest
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

June-October

About This Location

Lory State Park is a productive birding destination in Colorado, with 215 species recorded on eBird. This mountain and forest habitat attracts Northern Flicker, Merlin, and Common Raven among many others. Elevation changes create diverse habitats, from riparian valleys to alpine meadows, supporting a wide range of species.

Location

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Notable Species

Live Bird Data

Powered by eBird / Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Lazuli x Indigo Bunting (hybrid)

Passerina amoena x cyanea

7/17/2026Maxwell Natural Area1 observed

Semipalmated Plover

Charadrius semipalmatus

7/16/2026Douglas Reservoir1 observed

Indigo Bunting

Passerina cyanea

7/13/2026Dixon Reservoir1 observed

Cackling Goose

Branta hutchinsii

7/11/2026Ft. Collins City Park and Sheldon Lake1 observed

Black x Eastern Phoebe (hybrid)

Sayornis nigricans x phoebe

7/11/2026Poudre River at Rist Canyon road2 observed

Rufous Hummingbird

Selasphorus rufus

7/11/2026Pelican Hills1 observed

Willet (Western)

Tringa semipalmata

7/7/2026Tri-Lakes region1 observed

White-faced Ibis

Plegadis chihi

7/7/2026Ryan Gulch Reservoir3 observed

Laughing Gull

Leucophaeus atricilla

7/6/2026Ryan Gulch Reservoir1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Turkey Vulture

17/17/2026

Hairy Woodpecker

17/17/2026

Northern Flicker

17/17/2026

American Kestrel

17/17/2026

Peregrine Falcon

27/17/2026

Western Wood-Pewee

37/17/2026

Plumbeous Vireo

27/17/2026

Western Warbling Vireo

17/17/2026

Steller's Jay

27/17/2026

Black-billed Magpie

17/17/2026

Common Raven

27/17/2026

Violet-green Swallow

47/17/2026

Barn Swallow

27/17/2026

Pygmy Nuthatch

17/17/2026

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

17/17/2026

Canyon Wren

17/17/2026

Northern House Wren

37/17/2026

Cedar Waxwing

37/17/2026

Pine Siskin

57/17/2026

Lesser Goldfinch

17/17/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Bring layers as mountain weather changes rapidly at elevation.

  2. 2

    Check exposed ridges and thermals for soaring raptors and swifts.

  3. 3

    Acclimate to altitude before hiking to high-elevation birding spots.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Lory State Park for birding?
The best months to visit Lory State Park for birding are June-October. The best seasons are Summer and Fall.
What birds can I see at Lory State Park?
Notable species at Lory State Park include Northern Flicker, Merlin, Common Raven, Pygmy Nuthatch, Red-breasted Nuthatch. The area supports mountain, forest habitats.
How difficult is birding at Lory State Park?
Birding at Lory State Park is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
What amenities are available at Lory State Park?
Lory State Park offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.